OUR STUDIO

WUNDERGROUND is a Brooklyn-based architecture and interiors studio specializing in private homes and distinctive commercial projects in the New York City area. Our comprehensive designs and renovations transform your space into a sophisticated celebration of your unique family or business.

Our team understands the unique complexities of different construction projects in New York, including working with the Department of Buildings, Landmarks Preservation Commission, Co-Op/Condo Boards, consultants, contractors and craftspeople.

Our aim is always the creation of a functional, cohesive and enduring living or working space that compliments our clients’ lives.

OUR APPROACH

We look for opportunities to enrich our clients' personal and professional spaces by fostering WUNDER of the built environment through the design decisions we make.

We believe any given space, object or surface can be considered GROUND ripe for re-invention and aesthetic reconsideration.

The studio approaches every project from a design perspective, implementing sensible, practical problem solving. Our explorations often result in radically rethinking existing plans and the way they are used. We strive to achieve design focus and visual clarity by curating existing architectural elements, spatial characteristics and client possessions and supporting them in an appropriately scaled and detailed context of a refined contemporary aesthetic.

NANCY NIENBERG

Principal

Nancy established WUNDERGROUND in 2002, to focus her creative energy on the visual and functional transformation of spaces. She has an intuitive knack for planning and has cultivated an acute understanding of detailed design and construction processes. Through her 20 years of professional experience, she has developed an elite roster of in-house professionals and regular consultants to assemble the ideal team for each job. She personally guides each project process from start to finish to ensure a rigorous attention to detail.

Nancy completed the University of Cincinnati's undergraduate CO-OP program in Architecture, working around the country and abroad in a variety of offices. She was the recipient of both the school's AIA Henry Adams Medal and the graduating Professional Achievement Award. Following the completion of a Post-Professional Master of Architecture from Yale University, she was recruited to New York to help establish a new ofﬁce for the international firm, STUDIOS Architecture, known for it’s creative and team-based approach. She’s served as an invited critic for design studios at Yale, Parsons and Roger Williams, and continually prioritizes supporting the professional development of young architects. Nancy became a Registered Architect in the state of New York in 2000, and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

JAMES DESKEVICH

Director of Interiors

James guides the development of furniture and finishes as WUNDERGROUND’s Director of Interiors. From making sewn compositions of his mother’s fabric scraps to re-arranging the family living room (unrequested), his path to design and tastemaking has been clear from an early age. His experience in conceptual design, technical development, product manufacture, sales, implementation, and aesthetic curation gives him a knowledge base and versatility that’s rare in the industry.

James holds a Bachelor’s degree from the North Carolina State University College of Design and has a rich background in freelance graphic, exhibition and garden design. He assembled his own home goods store collection in Catskill, NY, and as a senior Project Manager for Bespoke Global, he’s sourced and represented high-end furnishings around the world. For over 15 years he’s developed luxury textiles both under his private label, VARIEGATED, and as commissioned collections of fabrics and accessories for high-end purveyors, including Holland & Sherry. His textile work has been widely publicized in notable design magazines, including Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, House Beautiful, Domino, New York Magazine, and The New York Times.

JACINTO PADIN

ASSOCIATE

Jacinto is an Associate at WUNDERGROUND where he is directly engaged in the design, technical development and implementation of the firm’s projects. His interest in both construction and design began at an early age working alongside his father in the family’s specialized millwork shop. Prior to joining WUNDERGROUND, he acquired hands-on experience with integral roles in both the architecture and construction fields. This involvement across multiple scales and trades exposed him to a variety of disciplines, from managing large-scale custom millwork fabrications to serving as project architect for notable design offices. Drawing from this experience, Jacinto brings strong design intelligence, intensive fabrication knowledge, and well-rounded construction experience to the studio’s projects.

Jacinto completed his professional B Arch degree at the College of Architecture & Design at NJIT where he was commended for his academic work including awards for Excellence in Design. His academic and professional works have been noted in publications and locally exhibited. He is actively pursuing his Architectural Registration and is an Associate Member of the American Institute of Architects.